Orrell St Peter's crowned Lancashire Under-12s Rugby Union champions with history made
Orrell St Peter’s were recently crowned Lancashire Under-12 Rugby Union champions, stunning a field dominated by some of the North West’s most established grammar schools.
Entering the tournament at the last minute, St Peter’s sent a side made up largely of their rugby league players and a couple of additional pupils to test themselves in rugby union.
Perhaps a few outside the group would have expected what came next.
Over the course of a remarkable afternoon of triumph, the Year 7s swept aside Kirkham Grammar, Manchester Grammar, AKS Lytham and Lancaster Grammar to lift the Lancashire Schools’ Cup – a competition traditionally ruled by rugby union powerhouses.
The results told their own story: Game 1 – 6-0, Game 2 – 7-0, Game 3 – 9-0, Game 4 (Final) – 2-1.
Just one try conceded all afternoon underlined a defensive effort that was nothing short of outstanding.
For a school with a proud rugby league heritage, this was a real step outside of their comfort zone. The breakdowns were different, the rucks unfamiliar, and the laws changed – but the Orrell youngsters adapted with confidence, belief and no small amount of Wigan grit.
Assistant headteacher, Neil Ashton, said: “Despite the school’s very strong history in rugby league, this competition provided an excellent opportunity to test the lads in the ‘other code’, and they rose to the challenge superbly.
“A superb achievement and a thoroughly deserved title.”
It is a superb achievement from St Peter’s, and something the whole town can take pride in. A famous win for the Year 7s – and one that will not be forgotten in a hurry.